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Information Rights and Disclosure
Professional Standards and Legal Services Department
Durham Constabulary
Peterlee Police Office
St Aidans Way
Peterlee
Co Durham
SR8 1QR
Tel. No: 0191 3752582
Web Site: www.durham.police.uk
E-mail:
Our Ref: ST/DC/FOI/559/14
Date 18 September 2014
This matter is being dealt with by Stephen Teasdale, Information Rights and Disclosure Supervisor, Telephone No 0191 3752582
Dear Mr Harry,
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 559/14
I write in connection with your request for information dated 19th August 2014 which was received by Durham Constabulary on 19th August 2014. I note you seek access to the following information:
How many 'Local authorities' have been investigated for officer corrupt practices /corruption /fraud/ misconduct in public office.
How many investigations led to 'files' being referred / submitted to the CPS.
How many officers have been prosecuted for a 'criminal offence' and / or how many investigations have been discontinued by the CPS and for what reason.
I am only interested in county and district councils and that the time span for my enquiry should be no more than 5 years, i.e. from 2009 to date.
After clarification you amended question 1 to:
“How many crimes of Fraud by Abuse of Position and Misconduct in Public Office, within county and district councils, have been recorded by Durham Constabulary in the last 5 years?”
I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to handle all requests in a manner that is blind as to the identity and motives of the requestor. Any information released as a response to a request is regarded as being published and therefore in the public domain without caveat.
Please note that Durham Constabulary’s response to your request is unique and should not be used as a comparison with any other Force response you receive.
Following receipt of your request, searches were conducted with the Tasking and Coordination Command of Durham Constabulary. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by Durham Constabulary.
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full, as follows:
Question: How many crimes of Fraud by Abuse of Position and Misconduct in Public Office, within county and district councils, have been recorded by Durham Constabulary in the last 5 years?”
Answer: There have been, within the past 5 years, 2 individuals, who were officials/employees of a council, investigated for the offence of Abuse of Position
Question’s: How many investigations led to 'files' being referred / submitted to the CPS.
How many officers have been prosecuted for a 'criminal offence' and / or how many investigations have been discontinued by the CPS and for what reason.
Answer: 1 individual was charged and subsequently convicted at court of Fraud by Abuse of Position x2.
1 individual was arrested and later had No further Action taken against them after Crown Prosecution Service advice that there was insufficient evidence. The actual offence that No Further Action was taken for on this disposal was, (Agent Corruptly Accept/Obtain/Agree to Accept / Attempt Obtain Gift / Consideration as inducement / Reward).
I do hope this is information is of assistance to you.
Your attention is drawn to the below link to our website, which details your right to complain:
https://www.durham.police.uk/About-Us/Freedom-of-information/General/Pages/FOI-Request.aspx
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write or contact me on the above telephone number.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Teasdale
Information Rights and Disclosure Supervisor
We are very keen to ensure that we are tackling issues which matter to you in your community. With our colleagues in the local authority, we have developed Police And Communities Together (PACT) meetings = to ensure that you have a chance to engage with local officers from your beat team and tell us your concerns.
This is your opportunity to influence what we focus on, where you live.
You can find out more about PACT:
By ringing Durham Constabulary on 101
By logging on to www.durham.police.uk
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PERSONAL
Peter Harry
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